Smart Technology for the Older Adults to Facilitate Independent Living and Social Participation

Abstract

We are in the midst of two striking trends: Wide-spread population aging and rapid diffusion of technology. Both phenomena are very new in human history” [1]. It is only natural to consider developing technology to help solving the various problems in the aging society. Gerontechnology is an immerging field aiming at “designing technology and environment for independent living and social participation of older persons in good health, comfort and safety” [2]. Possible application domains include health, housing, mobility, communication, leisure, and work [3]. Gerontechnology is interdisciplinary in nature and represents an important opportunity for industry, facing the aged society. On the other hand, gerontechnology research is only valuable if it can be realized into products or services that benefit older persons and their caregivers. This special issue publishes seven papers on development of smart technology for older adults to facilitate independent living and social participation. The papers are highlighted briefly as follows.